Musement takes a look at how to spend Christmas in Dubai.
Nothing about Christmas in Dubai means you’ve got to miss any of your holiday traditions – from a blanket of snow to glowing illuminations to a perfectly decorated tree, Dubai is one of the world’s best cities for getting into the Christmas spirit. The best part about celebrating Christmas in the lively emirate? You won’t need to keep warm because the weather is always beautiful and sunny!
To get in the Christmas mood, first check out some of Dubai’s fabulously festive markets, like the Fort Island’s Festive Market at Madinat Jumeirah, which transforms into a winter wonderland complete with a German-style Christmas market, food stalls, daily appearances by Santa himself, and the stunning tree of course.
Santa drops by many local markets to keep the kids smiling and distributes holiday treats throughout the day.
One of the best parts of the holidays is selecting a Christmas tree and then decorating it, so across Dubai in December, you’ll see Christmas trees in many windows, as well as even more in the city’s malls and top hotels.
Attending the Christmas tree lighting events is a beloved local tradition, and the ceremony at The Irish Village is unmissable, with choirs and carols as well as mulled grape and home-baked mince pies. Or, at Sheraton Mall of the Emirates Hotel, join Santa for a grand tree lighting complete with homemade treats, spiced beverages and plenty of Christmas carols. You can also have a relaxed ‘Dubai style’ Christmas shopping experience at Mall of Emirates or Dubai Mall, with extended hours of operation.
At the Dubai Opera, Jingle Bell Favourites runs from 13-15 December with a line-up of classic sing-along carols and festive family tunes spread across morning, matinee and evening shows.
Most of the city dines out on Christmas Day. For those who live in Dubai, spending Christmas in the city is another big Friday brunch only sporting some jingling bells. Restaurants and hotels across the city will offer turkey with all the trimmings, visits from Santa and food from all over the world.
And you can still enjoy a white Christmas at Ski Dubai, the Middle East’s first indoor ski area, drinking a cup of hot chocolate or hitting the slopes with ambient temperatures of 25 °F. Spend your morning on the slopes and your afternoon on the beach. Who could ask for anything more?